Aeonium arborescens 'Tip Top' (Dwarf Tree Aeonium) – A small clustering form of Aeonium arborescens that reaches to about 1 foot tall with many small rosettes 1 to 3 inches wide at the ends and along short stems with small spathulate (spoon-shaped) leaves that are green near the center and darkening toward the dark maroon tips. We have not seen this cultivar flower; the species has yellow flowers in long terminal clusters in the summer but it is hard to imagine this smaller plant with these flowers as this plant has rosettes proliferating along the stem – time will tell. Plant in full sun near the coast and partial shade inland. Water occasionally to infrequently. Hardy to 27 degrees F. This plant is great along the ocean and tolerates drought and is reportedly resistant to deer predation. Aeonium arborescens is native to Gran Carnaria Island in the Canary Islands. We first got cuttings of this interesting plant in 2011 from the garden of Cal Poly SLO Biology Professor Matt Ritter and later saw it labeled with the name 'TipTop' at the San Diego Botanic Garden (Quail). We would love to know the origin of this plant and who may have named it. The name 'Tip Top' or sometimes 'TipTop' is frequently listed as trademarked but there is no such mark registered at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Aeonium arboreum 'Tip Top'.